Last week the Italian Senate gave final approval to an animal cruelty bill which imposes prison terms of up to a year and fines up to 10,000 euros (over $12,000) upon those convicted of abandoning their pets.

Apparently, 150,000 dogs and 200,000 cats are abandoned in Italy every year -- many dumped by the roadside at the start of summer holidays. Most are killed by cars, hunger or thirst. The new law also cracks down on anyone found guilty of killing or torturing animals, organizing dog fights, or involved in clandestine fur industries.